Look closely at any vintage furniture designed by father-son duo Philip and Kelvin LaVerne and a cacophony of stylistic influences reveals itself.
The LaVernes’ position at the intersection of art and design was the result of their combined backgrounds: Philip (1907–87) studied painting with Ashcan School artist John Sloan at the Art Students League of New York, while his son, Kelvin (b. 1937), attended the Parsons School of Design, taking classes in art history, furniture design and metalwork. The resulting merge of stylistic elements and innovative processes make for singular designs that defy categorization, striking a balance between modern and traditional, intricate and minimal, art piece and functional item. Their work was also strikingly different from the modern furniture created by Philip’s brother Erwine and his wife, Estelle, of Laverne Originals.
The LaVernes began producing one-of-a-kind furniture and sculpture in the mid-1950s out of a studio on Wooster Street in New York City before opening a showroom on Manhattan’s East 57th Street. As their 1960s advertisements declared: “It’s not just functional and not just art, it’s an investment.”
The LaVernes married a stunning array of techniques and styles to achieve their singular, deeply layered look for one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces. Chinoiserie motifs abound on many of their acid-etched tables, but art from ancient Greece and Egypt also served as inspiration. The influence of figurative sculptors is evident in designs like coffee tables and side tables with bronze bodies serving as frames or bases; other pieces, meanwhile, have deeply detailed surfaces and strikingly simple silhouettes.
The duo developed their own unconventional methods — sometimes to an extreme — for finishing their pieces: Techniques employed by the LaVernes included acid washing and burying furniture underground in a mixture of soil and chemicals to achieve a desired patina through oxidation. While they sometimes used pewter and silver, bronze was one of their most commonly employed materials, either etched or cast and sometimes paired with glass tops. Their partnership ended when Philip died in 1987 and Kelvin shifted his practice to sculpture.
Find an extraordinary range of vintage Philip and Kelvin LaVerne tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Large "Rainforest" Painting on Bronze 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large abstract painting "Rainforest" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with deep green and blue enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970s (signed “Philip. Kelv...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Unique "Caribbean" Painting on Bronze 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unique Impressionist painting "Caribbean" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne in green, yellow, blue, and red with hand-brazed braided bronze frame by P...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Kuan Su Bronze Painting with Floral Motif 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Kuan Su" engraved painting in patinated bronze and pewter with floral motif and hand-applied blue and orange enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed “P....
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Leda and the Swan" Wall Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unique wall sculpture in Hydro Stone plaster with bronze frame depicting the myth of Leda and the Swan by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed “PK LaVerne” on frame). Leda and the Swan is a Greek myth which the LaVernes revisited with several different works. In the myth, Zeus transforms himself into a beautiful swan and seduces Leda who he is in love with. This work is based on a painting done by Michelangelo in 1530. The LaVernes were very knowledgeable about art history and had a deep fascination with historical cultures. It’s a stunning work of art. Provenance: From the Collection of Kelvin LaVerne Reference: Reference: ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2024, this artwork is shown in the section OTHER MATERIALS on page 229. The caption reads, “THE LEDA AND THE SWAN wall sculpture...
Copper
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Painting "Rhapsody #1" 1972 (Signed and Dated)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Rhapsody #1", a vibrant Abstract Expressionist painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne with hand-brazed sculptured frame by Philip & Kelvin LaVern...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
$8,800
LaVerne Wall Art
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1960's Kelvin and Phillip LaVerne acid-etched metal artwork with original frame and patina. Measurements: Height: 30" Width: 21"
Metal
Laverne Etched Bronze Wall Plaque "Tower of Babel"
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
LaVerne etched bronze wall plaque "Tower of Babel" There is a dent on the bottom of left side which is not very noticeable when on the wall.
Bronze, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin Laverne Iconic Pair of "Chinois Plaques", 1960s, 'Signed'
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Chinois Plaques", models 101 and 102, in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed). The delicately engraved scenes are exquisite. Reference: ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Chin Ying" Wall Plaque
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne rare and exquisite rectangular "Chin Ying" wall plaque in patinated and acid-etched pewter and bronze with vibrant hand-p...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Ming" Bronze Painting 1960s 'Signed'
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning wall-hanging "Ming" painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-applied enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (etched “P+K LaVerne” on botto...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Chan Wall Hanging
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in San Francisco, CA
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Chan decorative wall hanging. Original order form is included, model #140 ordered as a wall hanging incorporating colors from mode...
Brass
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Unique Collage "Broken Heart" 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unique artwork "Broken Heart", an abstract collage in patinated bronze and pewter with eye in resin and vibrant hand-painted enamels with sculptured frame by Philip & Kelvin LaVe...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Tower of Babel" Engraved Painting 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large "Tower of Babel" painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne and bamboo motif frame by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, 1960's (signed “Phillip. Kelvin L...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin Laverne "Peasants Plaque" with Enamel Cloisonne 1960s - Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Peasants Plaque" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand enamel cloisonne by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed front bottom center "Kelvin + Philip LaVe...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Philip and Kelvin Laverne 'Chinois' wall plaque, model 102, 1960s
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne 'Chinois' Wall Plaque, Model 102, 1960s A rare and beautiful wall plaque from the celebrated oeuvre of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. Working from their New Yor...
Brass, Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Adam and Eve" Wall Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare wall sculpture, "Adam and Eve" in solid cast and patinated pewter by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (original gallery label on back states “ADAM & EVE in pewter by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne”). The LaVernes did a small series of cast wall sculptures...
Pewter
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Nude #1" Wall-Hanging Sculpture 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Nude #1", a rare figural wall sculpture incorporating a female nude motif in solid bronze by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed on front “Philip Kelvin LaVerne”). The...
Bronze
Silver-Ground Iridescent Green Horse Wall Panel, by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic and quite rare acid etched metal panel of green iridescent horses on a silver ground, Signed Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. This is one of ...
Metal
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "The Untrammelled Mood of the Artist" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"The Untrammeled Mood of the Artist at Work", a rare wall sculpture incorporating a motif with a nude artist and subject in solid bronze by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Floral Motif Architectural Panel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco bronze floral motif architectural panel, each one of rectangular form with pierced floral still life.
Bronze
Laverne Etched Bronze Wall Plaque "Tower of Babel"
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
LaVerne etched bronze wall plaque "Tower of Babel" There is a dent on the bottom of left side which is not very noticeable when on the wall.
Bronze, Pewter
Marble Fine Mosaic Art, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern mosaic tableau wall piece. Abstract design of a figure in mosaic marble, shades of browns and greys. Sturdy wooden frame.
Marble
Mid-Century Modernist Oil on Canvas Painting 1960s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Stunning colors on this midcentury oil painting in an original midcentury frame. Be sure to check our storefront for many more decorating ideas, from primitives, Machine age, Mid-Cen...
Paint
Zodiac Copper Wall Art
Located in Antwerp, BE
Zodiac copper wall art. Diameter:50 cm. Depth:3 cm.
Copper
Framed Mosaic Wall Art
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Very colorful handmade mosaic framed wall art.
Twig
Midcentury Classical Wall Art
Located in Asheville, NC
Midcentury, unusual wall art, hand-painted and colored grisaille architectural and classical scenes on the back of glass (églomisé) with black and gol...
1970s Italian Painting
Located in London, London
1970s painting Framed wihin a glazed frame Image measures 40 x 50 cm Signed on the back.
Paint
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 46 in D 5 in
Classic Marine Painting Signed C. Langenbeck Dated 1906
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A beautifully executed early 20th Century oil on canvas marine painting. Signed Charles Langenbeck ( 1873-1943) dated 1906 and presented in a robust carved giltwood frame. The paint...
Canvas, Boxwood, Giltwood
Clay Mask, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic sculptural clay mask wall art made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a short rope which ties off on the face of the mask. Hangs from a single screw making ins...
Clay, Rope
$2,950
H 39 in W 58 in D 3.5 in
Curtis Jere Peacock / Swan Wall Sculpture, Signed and Dated 1987, Brass Finish
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Kansas City, MO
Large Curtis Jere wall sculpture of a peacock / swan. Completely original in very good to excellent condition metal sculpture with a brass finish and applied patina creating the dark...
Metal
Eyes Hand-Beaded Wall Art
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Beaded Brilliance. Dazzlingly detailed, our hand-beaded eyes beaded wall art is a truly subversive showpiece at 52 inches wide by 25 inches high. Stret...
Linen, Wood, Beads, Glass
Sold
H 47.5 in W 23.5 in D 1 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Rare Pair of Large "Classical Plaques" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of rare and exceptional "Classical Plaques" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with mythological scenes incorporating hand-applied enamels in shades of blue and green b...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne "Gemini" Plaque
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Dallas, TX
Wall plaque in patinated bronze and pewter, "Gemini", by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed on front bottom right "Philip.Kelvin. LaVerne").
Bronze
Sold
H 48.5 in W 37.5 in D 1.5 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Exceptional Bronze Painting "Passion" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large and exceptional painting, “Passion”, in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant enamel cloisonne and hand-brazed sculptured frame by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, Amer...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Phillip & Kelvin LaVerne "Donna" Bronze Wall Plaque, 1950's
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in New York, NY
Phillip & Kelvin LaVerne "Donna" Bronze Wall Plaque, 1950's. Acid etched and patinated. Signed lower right and on reverse. Overall great vintage condition. Slight wear along edges...
Bronze
Sold
H 37.5 in W 25 in D 1.5 in
Signed Philip & Kelvin Laverne Wall Plaque Bronze and Enamel- Titled Consoling
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare signed wall plaque by Philip & Kelvin Laverne, titled Consoling, is an extraordinary example of the father-and-son duo’s highly coveted work in bronze and enamel art. Known...
Bronze, Enamel
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Silvered Panel with Horse Motif
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A truly exceptional and rather rare silvered bronze etched decorative wall panel. Incredible coloured enamel horses frolicking on an etched silver frame. The stunning bronze scul...
Metal
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Colorful "Chinois Plaque" 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Chinois Plaque" model 102 in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with hand-painted enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed “Philip Kelvin LaVerne” ...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Sold
H 48 in W 24 in D 1 in
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne "Horses Plaque" with Unique Coloration 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Horses Plaque" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with red and orange enamel cloisonne horses by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, American 1960's (signed “Philip Kelvin LaVerne” on front). The background of this work is patinated pewter and the piece is trimmed in patinated bronze. This series was typically done with horses in green, blue and yellow. The unique coloration in this work makes it a rare variation. Provenance: From the Collection of Kelvin LaVerne Reference: ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2024, this design is shown on page 91 in the section titled Historical Civilizations Series with the caption from the original LaVerne catalog, “Ming horses...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Sold
H 21.5 in W 15 in D 1.5 in
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne "Synergy" in Bronze, Pewter & Copper 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Unique abstract collage “Synergy” in patinated bronze, pewter and copper with abstract Kuan motif engraved on sections by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970's (signed “P+K LAVERN...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 62 in W 32 in D 2 in
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Important "Good And Evil" Bronze Painting 1970s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Monumental and important “Good And Evil” pierced bronze painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel cloisonne and hand-brazed sculptured frame with green patina ...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Sold
H 12 in W 10.5 in D 1.5 in
Kelvin LaVerne Rare "Gladiator" Engraved Painting 1960 (Signed and Dated)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare “Gladiator” painting, with victorious Roman gladiator standing over his defeated foe, in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with enamel ...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter
Sold
H 1.5 in Dm 35.5 in
Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Chan Engraved Painting with Vibrant Color 1960s (Signed)
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning and iconic “Chan” painting in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant blue, green and orange hand-painted enamels and gold and copper leaf by Philip and Kelvin...
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter, Gold Leaf